Hole opener with hybrid reaming section

ABSTRACT

A hole opener having a hybrid reaming section for downhole earth boring operations may include a reamer body having an axis of rotation, an outer periphery, and upper and lower ends, a plurality of rolling cutters coupled to the outer periphery and depending downwardly, the rolling cutters defining a rolling cutter cutting profile having a cutting diameter, a plurality of fixed blade cutters coupled to the outer periphery and defining a fixed blade cutter cutting profile having a cutting diameter, each fixed blade cutter being coupled between adjacent rolling cutters. At least one of the fixed blade cutters may be asymmetrically coupled about the axis. The cutting diameter of the fixed blade cutter cutting profile may be larger than the cutting diameter of the rolling cutter cutting profile. At least a portion of the fixed blade cutter cutting profile may be deeper than the rolling cutter cutting profile.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to co-pending U.S. application Ser. Nos.______, ______ and, ______ each having the same filing date and title,and each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention disclosed and taught herein relates generally to tools forreaming subterranean wellbores; and more specifically relates to reamertools having a combination of rolling and fixed cutters and relatedmethods.

2. Description of the Related Art

Drill bits used in drilling of subterranean wellbores typically comprisefixed cutter bits or rolling cutter bits. Rolling cutter bits typicallyinclude a body having legs extending downward and a head bearingextending from the leg towards the axis of the bit body.Frusto-conically shaped rolling cutters are rotatably mounted on each ofthese journals and are included with cutting teeth on the outer surfaceof these cones. As the bit rotates, the cones rotate to cause thecutting elements to disintegrate the earth formation.

In some situations, a pilot reamer drilling system is employed where twoor more bits are combined on a single drill string. Here, the lowermostbit, commonly referred to as a pilot bit, creates a pilot hole and anupper earth boring bit enlarges the pilot hole diameter. The bitenlarging the hole diameter is referred to as a reamer. Typically, thepilot bit comprises a conventional bit, i.e., either a rolling cutterbit or a fixed cutter bit. The reamer bit usually employs rollingcutters as cutting members that are attached to the reamer body. Pilotreamer drilling systems are used to drill large diameter boreholes thatmay require enhanced stabilization. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,302to Beaton discloses a “reamer for drilling a hole having a diameterlarger than a pass through diameter [and] in one aspect includes a bodyhaving reaming blades affixed at azimuthally spaced apart locations.” Asanother example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,036 to Forstner et al., which isassigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes, discloses a “BHA compris[ing] apilot bit and a reamer above it that is larger in diameter than thesuspended liner.” As other examples, U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No.2009/0218140 to Pessier et al. discloses a reamer bit comprising “fourcutter mounts [with] rolling cutters on each mount” and U.S. Pat. Appl.Pub. No. 2009/0166093 to Pessier et al. discloses a reamer bit havingrolling cutters and stabilizer pads on the body, each of which isassigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes. Although each of these bits may beworkable for certain limited applications, an improved hybrid reamerwith enhanced reaming performance is desirable.

The invention disclosed and taught herein is directed to an improvedtool having a hybrid reaming section for reaming a wellbore and tomethods of making and using the improved tool.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hole opener having a hybrid reaming section for downhole earth boringoperations may include a reamer body having an axis of rotation, anouter periphery, and upper and lower ends, a plurality of rolling cuttermounts coupled to the outer periphery and depending downwardly, arolling cutter coupled to each mount, the rolling cutters defining arolling cutter cutting profile having a cutting diameter, a plurality offixed blade cutters coupled to the outer periphery and defining a fixedblade cutter cutting profile having a fixed blade cutter cuttingdiameter, each fixed blade cutter being coupled between adjacent rollingcutter mounts, wherein at least one of the fixed blade cutters isasymmetrically coupled about the axis, and wherein the fixed bladecutter cutting diameter is larger than the rolling cutter cuttingdiameter.

A hole opener having a hybrid reaming section for downhole earth boringoperations may include a reamer body having a central longitudinal axisof rotation, an outer periphery, and upper and lower ends, a pluralityof rolling cutter mounts coupled to the outer periphery about thelongitudinal axis and depending downwardly, a rolling cutter rotatablycoupled to each mount, the rolling cutters defining a rolling cuttercutting profile having an outermost rolling cutter cutting diameter, aplurality of fixed blade cutters coupled to the outer periphery anddefining a fixed blade cutter cutting profile having an outermost fixedblade cutter cutting diameter, each fixed blade cutter being coupledbetween adjacent rolling cutter mounts, and wherein at least a portionof the fixed blade cutter cutting profile is deeper than the rollingcutter cutting profile and wherein the outermost fixed blade cuttercutting diameter is larger than the outermost rolling cutter cuttingdiameter.

A hole opener having a hybrid reaming section for downhole earth boringoperations may include a reamer body having a central longitudinal axisof rotation, an outer periphery, and upper and lower ends, a pluralityof rolling cutter mounts coupled to the outer periphery about thelongitudinal axis and depending downwardly, a rolling cutter rotatablycoupled to each mount, the rolling cutters defining a rolling cuttercutting profile having an outermost rolling cutter cutting diameter, aplurality of fixed blade cutters coupled to the outer periphery anddefining a fixed blade cutter cutting profile having an outermost fixedblade cutter cutting diameter, each fixed blade cutter being coupledbetween adjacent rolling cutter mounts, wherein at least one of thefixed blade cutters is coupled asymmetrically about the longitudinalaxis, and wherein at least a portion of the fixed blade cutter cuttingprofile is deeper than the rolling cutter cutting profile and whereinthe outermost fixed blade cutter cutting diameter is larger than theoutermost rolling cutter cutting diameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one of many embodiments of a hybrid reamer having afixed blade and a rolling cutter and utilizing certain aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of the hybrid reamer shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hybrid reamer shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates one of many embodiments of a hybrid reamer having acontoured fixed blade and a rolling cutter and utilizing certain aspectsof the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates one of many cutting profiles of a rolling cutter andan associated fixed blade utilizing certain aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates one of many cutting profiles of a plurality ofrolling cutters and fixed blades utilizing certain aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates one of many cutting profiles of a hybrid reamerhaving backup cutting elements and utilizing certain aspects of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate one of many different embodiments of ahybrid reamer having a rolling cutter cutting the gage and utilizingcertain aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 8D, 8E and 8F illustrate one of many different embodiments of ahybrid reamer having a fixed blade cutting the gage and utilizingcertain aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 8G and 8H illustrate one of many different embodiments of a hybridreamer having a fixed blade and a rolling cutter cutting the gage andutilizing certain aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9A illustrates one of many embodiments of a hybrid reamer having arolling cutter having a limited effective projection and utilizingcertain aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9B illustrates one of many embodiments of a hybrid reamer having arolling cutter having a full effective projection and utilizing certainaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates one of many embodiments of a hybrid reamer having apilot bit and utilizing certain aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates one of many embodiments of a hybrid reamer having anasymmetrical cutter and utilizing certain aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates one of many embodiments of a hybrid reamer incontact with a cutting surface and utilizing certain aspects of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures described above and the written description of specificstructures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope ofwhat Applicants have invented or the scope of the appended claims.Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach anyperson skilled in the art to make and use the invention for which patentprotection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that notall features of a commercial embodiment of the invention is described orshown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill inthis art will also appreciate that the development of an actualcommercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present inventionwill require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve thedeveloper's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Suchimplementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are notlimited to, compliance with system-related, business-related,government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specificimplementation, location and from time to time. While a developer'sefforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, suchefforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skillin the art having the benefits of this disclosure. It must be understoodthat the invention disclosed and taught herein is susceptible tonumerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Lastly, theuse of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is notintended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relationalterms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,”“upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” and the like are used in thewritten description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures andare not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appendedclaims. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “coupling,” “coupler,” and liketerms are used broadly herein and can include any method or device forsecuring, binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, insertingtherein, forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwiseassociating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically,chemically, operably, directly or indirectly with intermediate elements,one or more pieces of members together, removably or otherwise, and canfurther include without limitation integrally forming one functionalmember with another in a unity fashion. The coupling can occur in anydirection, including rotationally.

Applicants have created a reamer tool assembly having a hybrid reamingsection and methods of making and using the reamer. The hybrid holeopener, or hybrid reamer, may include a combination of rolling cuttersand fixed blade cutters (or “fixed blades”) coupled to a stem forsupporting one or more components of the reamer. The term “rollingcutter” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, devices commonlyreferred to in the art as “roller cones.” The reamer may comprise areamer body, such as a generally cylindrically shaped body, having oneor more rolling cutter mounts (e.g., a bit leg) coupled to its outerradial periphery. A rolling cutter may be coupled to each mount, whereinthe rolling cutter may have cutting elements disposed in the downhole orlateral (gage) directions, for example, so that they may contact theformation to cut swaths or kerfs or grooves (hereinafter referred to as“path(s)”) on the associated cutting surface while the reamer isrotating downhole. The rolling cutter cutting elements may hereinafterbe referred to as “teeth,” without limitation, and only for purposes ofexplanation in differentiating between rolling cutter cutting elementsand other cutting elements. The reamer may further comprise one or morefixed blade cutters, or fixed blades, coupled to the body, wherein oneor more of the fixed blades may be coupled adjacent one or more rollingcutter mounts. Each fixed blade may include cutting elements coupledthereto, each of which may, but need not, cut its own unique path in thecutting surface, in whole or in part. In at least one embodiment, whichis but one of many, one or more fixed blade paths may be aligned orotherwise associated with one or more rolling cutter paths.

One or more of the many embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed in more detail with reference to the Figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates one of many embodiments of a hybrid reamer 100 havinga fixed blade and a rolling cutter and utilizing certain aspects of thepresent invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the hybrid reamer100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hybridreamer of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 1-3 will be described in conjunction withone another. Reamer 100 may comprise a core for supporting reamingequipment. The core may include a stem 102 and a reamer body 103 andmay, but need not, be generally cylindrical. Stem 102 may be at leastpartially tubular, such as to allow fluid to flow at least partiallytherethrough. Reamer 100 may include one or more cutting structures,such as a fixed blade 106 or rolling cutter mount 108, which may, butneed not, be coupled to its outer radial periphery. Each mount 108 mayinclude a roller shaft 109 generally angled toward a centrallongitudinal axis A of reamer 100. Cutters, such as rolling cutters 110,may be rotatably coupled on each roller shaft 109, directly orindirectly. In at least one exemplary embodiment, such as the embodimentof FIG. 1, four fixed blades 106 and four rolling cutters 110 maypreferably be coupled radially around the periphery of body 103 in analternating fashion, but they need not be. Alternatively, the varioustypes of reaming components may be coupled in any order and in anynumber. While the fixed blades 106 and rolling cutters 110 of FIG. 1 areillustrated as having central radial axes that pass through axis A ofreamer 100, they need not. For example, one or more rolling cutters 110or fixed blades 106 may be “off-axis” as required by a particularapplication, such as, for example, where the component has one or moreaxes, such as a central axis, that does not pass through axis A (i.e.the axis of rotation) of reamer 100.

Each fixed blade 106 may include a plurality of cutting elements 116,which may, but need not, be tungsten carbide inserts, polycrystallinediamond compact (“PDC”) cutting elements, or as another example,integrally formed cutting elements. Cutting elements 116 may be coupledanywhere on blade 106, such as on the downhole or bottomhole portion ofblade 106 or, as another example, on the radially outermost or gagesurface of blade 106, such as where cutting elements 202 are shown inFIG. 2. Each rolling cutter 110 may include one or more teeth 120coupled thereto. Teeth 120 may be inserts, such as tungsten carbideinserts, steel teeth formed integrally with each rolling cutter 110,such as by milling, or any other type of teeth required by a particularapplication. Fixed blades 106 and rolling cutters 110 may define one ormore cutting or reaming paths, separately or in combination, and may,but need not, be associated with one another. For example, one or moreparticular fixed blade cutting elements 116 may cut in the same path asa particular tooth 120 or row of rolling cutter teeth 120, or theirpaths may be adjacent, in whole or in part. For purposes of thedisclosure herein, directly adjacent paths are paths that reside next toone another with no other path there between. Each rolling cutter 110 orfixed blade 106 may have a unique cutting profile defined at leastpartially by the cutting elements coupled thereto. In at least oneembodiment, for example, at least a portion of the cutting profile ofone or more fixed blades 106 may be curved or rounded and the cuttingprofile of one or more rolling cutters 110, such as an associatedtrailing rolling cutter 110, may match the curved cutting profile of thefixed blade 106, in whole or in part, as will be further describedbelow. Alternatively, the fixed blade cutting profile may match therolling cutter cutting profile, in whole or in part, or as anotherexample, each cutting profile on reamer 100 may be unique. The term“match” as used herein means cutting in the same path during reaming,which may occur in whole or in part and between any two or more cuttersor cutting elements. Reamer 100 may have any gage dimension, such as adiameter of, for example, 22-28 inches, as required by a particularapplication. The gage may be cut by any cutting profile or combinationof cutting profiles, as required by a particular application and furtherdescribed below.

As shown in FIG. 2, each blade 106 may include one or more cuttingelements 116, 202 coupled to, for example, a portion of the blade 106that may contact the wellbore, such as leading edge 204 or gage portion210. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the placementof each cutting element 116, 202 may change from blade to blade, or asbetween embodiments of reamer 100. Each cutting element 116, 202 may ormay not contact the wellbore in a particular application and if aparticular cutting element 116, 202 contacts the wellbore, the cuttingelement may do so constantly or from time to time as reamer 100 spinsdownhole. Each blade 106, leading edge 204, or gage portion 210 maydefine any cutting profile required by a particular application, as willbe further described below. A blade 106 may preferably form, in at leastone embodiment, a smooth, rounded and durable profile, such as theexemplary profiles of each blade 106 shown in FIG. 2 and other FIGS.described herein. Fixed blade cutting elements 116, 202 may be brazed,welded or otherwise coupled to recesses or pockets on each blade 106,for example, so that the peripheral or cutting edge on each cutting facemay be presented to the formation.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, each rolling cutter 110 mayinclude one or more rolling cutter teeth 120. Each tooth 120 may beformed from any material and may be formed integrally with or coupled torolling cutter 110 at any location required by a particular application.In at least one embodiment, rolling cutter mounts 108 may includeupdrill features, such as cutting elements or, as another example,hardfaced pads, coupled to their gage surfaces or on their upperportions, such as to updrill or ream in the uphole direction, asrequired by a particular application. A rolling cutter 110 may bemounted on a bearing 112 coupled to each support 108, such as sealed orunsealed journal bearings, roller-element bearings, or other bearingsrequired by a particular application. Each bearing 112 may, but neednot, be coupled to a roller shaft 109, which may be fixed, for example,so that rolling cutter 110 spins about shaft 109. The rotational axis ofeach rolling cutter 110 may, but need not, intersect the centrallongitudinal axis A of reamer 100. The radially outermost cuttingportion of each rolling cutter 110, as well as that of each mount 108,may be “off gage” or spaced inwardly from the gage diameter of reamer100, which may, but need not, be defined by fixed blades 106. In atleast one alternative embodiment, the radially outermost or gage row ofone or more rolling cutters 110 may define the gage diameter of thewellbore and the fixed blades 106 may be off gage, for example, whichmay protect the fixed blades 106 and associated cutting elements 116. Inat least one other embodiment, the gage diameters defined by the fixedblades 106 and rolling cutters 110 may be equal, for example, so thatthe fixed blades 106 and rolling cutters 110 ream the gage diametersimultaneously. The lowermost or bottomhole cutting profiles and thegage cutting profiles of each fixed blade 106 or rolling cutter 110 maybe formed independently or, alternatively, with reference to at leastone associated cutting profile on reamer 100, as will be furtherdescribed below. For example, the cutting profile of a particular fixedblade 106 may be associated with the cutting profile of a particularrolling cutter, which may, but need not, be an adjacent rolling cutter110. At least one and preferably a plurality of teeth 120 may be coupledto each rolling cutter 110 in one or more generally circumferentialrows. Each row may, but need not, create a unique path on the cuttingsurface coinciding with the row's particular disposition on a particularrolling cutter 110. Each individual row of teeth 120 on a rolling cutter110 may cut a unique path having a radius different from the radii ofpaths cut by any other row of teeth on reamer 100. Alternatively, thepaths of two or more rows may correspond as between rolling cutters inone or more embodiments, in whole or in part, as required by aparticular application. The rolling cutter paths may be generallycurvilinear and concentric with one another, but need not be. Teeth 120may be arranged such that each tooth 120 is radially offset from axis Aof reamer 100 (see FIG. 3). The offset distance may vary for each row ofteeth 120 according to the application and reamer size, and may varyfrom rolling cutter to rolling cutter, and/or tooth to tooth. In atleast one embodiment, for example, stem 102 may, but need not, be about9¼ inches in diameter. In such an embodiment, for example, the innermostcutting diameter of reamer 100 may be, for example, about 12.25″ aboutlongitudinal axis A for a 22″ reamer, 14.75″ for a 24″ reamer, 16″ for a26″ reamer or, as another example, 17.75″ for a 28″ reamer. Theseexamples are approximate and are used only for illustrative purposes.One of ordinary skill will understand that stem 102 may have anydiameter and that any number of cutting elements or of rows of teeth maybe located between stem 102 and the gage of reamer 100, at any distancefrom one another or from stem 102, as required by a particularapplication. Teeth 120 need not be arranged in rows, but instead may be“randomly” placed on each rolling cutter 110. Moreover, teeth 120 maytake the form of one or more discs or “kerf-rings,” which also fallwithin the meaning of the terms rolling cutter cutting elements or teethas used herein. While teeth 120 are shown in FIGS. 1-3 to be inserts,such as tungsten carbide inserts coupled by interference fit into boresor apertures in rolling cutters 110, they need not be and mayalternatively include teeth integrally formed with each rolling cutter110, such as milled- or steel-teeth (see, e.g., FIG. 8A). Reamer 100 mayinclude inserts and integral teeth separately, or in combination. Theinserts or cutting elements may be chisel-shaped, as shown, conical,round, ovoid, or other shapes and combinations of shapes depending uponthe application. Teeth 120 may, but need not, be hardfaced or, as otherexamples, formed of, or coated with, superabrasive or super-hardmaterials such as polycrystalline diamond, cubic boron nitride, and thelike.

Stem 102 may be tubular, such as to allow fluid to travel at leastpartially there through. Stem 102 may preferably be formed from highstrength steel, but may be made from any material, such as a compositematrix or sintered carbide. Reamer 100 may include one or more couplers,such as coupler 104 or coupler 114, for coupling reamer 100 within adrill string, for example, which may include pipe, the bottom holeassembly (“BHA”), and/or other downhole equipment. Each coupler 104, 114may be formed integrally with stem 102 or formed separately and coupledthereto, in whole or in part. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1,which is but one of many, coupler 104 is shown to include a pinconnection and coupler 114 is shown to include a box connection, such asAmerican Petroleum Institute (“API”) connections, on the uphole anddownhole ends of stem 102, respectively. However, one of ordinary skillwill understand that couplers 104, 114 may be any type of couplerrequired by a particular application. Reamer body 103 may be formedintegrally with stem 102 or separately therefrom and coupled thereto, inwhole or in part. Stem 102 may include one or more fluid orifices 118,for example, jets or ports, for allowing drilling fluid to flow to adesired location, such as from the interior to the exterior of stem 102.Reamer 100 may, but need not, include a pilot bit (see FIG. 10), such asfor opening a hole to a first diameter, for example, a diameter lessthan the gage diameter of reamer 100. One of ordinary skill willunderstand that the pilot bit may be any type of bit required by aparticular application, such as a hybrid bit, drag bit, rolling cutterbit, or other bit. The pilot bit may be coupled to the downhole end ofreamer 100, such as to stem 102 or coupler 114, including being formedintegrally therewith, in whole or in part. In at least one embodiment,such as the one shown in FIG. 1, which is but one of many, the pilot bitmay be absent and coupler 114 may be used for any purpose required by aparticular application, such as for coupling reamer 100 in a drillstring or to another piece of downhole equipment, for example, to a plugor stabilizer.

Reamer 100 may include one or more junk slots 212, such as one betweeneach side of adjacent reaming components, for allowing material, such ascuttings or fluid, to escape during reaming. For example, reamer 100 mayinclude a junk slot between the trailing side of a rolling cutter 110and the leading side of the fixed blade 106 that follows the cone 110during reaming. Junk slots 212 will be further described below and mayprovide a generally unobstructed area or volume for clearance ofcuttings and drilling fluid from the central portion of reamer 100 toits periphery, such as for return of these materials to the surface. Thevolume of one or more junk slots 212 may, but need not, exceed the openvolume of other areas of the reamer, particularly in the angulardimension, such as between the trailing side of each blade 106 and theleading side of the following rolling cutter 110. The increased volumeof junk slots 212 may be at least partially accomplished by providing arecess in the trailing side of each fixed blade 106, as will be furtherdescribed below (see FIG. 4), for example, so that the rolling cutters110 may be positioned closer to the trailing side of each fixed blade106 than would be permitted without the clearance provided by therecess. Reamer 100 may include any number of junk slots 212 and maypreferably include eight junk slots 212 in embodiments having fourrolling cutters 110 and four fixed blades 106, such as the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The junk slots 212 may be in any location onreamer 100, as required by a particular application, such as between arolling cutter 110 and a blade 106, a blade 106 and a rolling cutter110, or elsewhere, singularly or in combination.

Reamer 100 may include one or more orifices 118 (see FIG. 3) for fluidpassage, such as jets or nozzles, which may be circumferentially locatedabout stem 102 for directing fluid to a desired location. For example,the orifices may be used for jetting cuttings, cleaning or cooling. Oneor more orifices 118 may be disposed in receptacles in stem 102, forexample, for allowing fluid to pass from central fluid passageway 304 tothe exterior of stem 102. Each orifice 118 may be coupled, for example,proximate to a junk slot 212, for removing formation material therefrom.In at least one embodiment, each orifice may be located and configured,for example, to direct a stream of fluid, such as drilling fluid, fromthe interior of stem 102 to a location proximate (and preferably forwardof to avoid unnecessary wear on elements 116 and the materialsurrounding and retaining them) at least a portion of the leading edge204 of each fixed blade 106 or the fixed blade cutting elements 116coupled thereto. As another example, one or more orifices 118 may belocated and configured to direct a stream of drilling fluid to alocation at least proximate the trailing side of each rolling cutter 110or rolling cutter teeth 120. The streams of drilling fluid may cool oneor more portions of reamer 100 or, as another example, may removecuttings from blades 106 or rolling cutters 110 and their respectivecutting elements 116, 120. Orifices 118 may be, for example,conventional cylinders of tungsten carbide or similar hard metal and mayhave circular apertures of any selected dimension. Orifices 118 may beformed in any manner, such as integrally with wall 302 of stem 102, asmodifications thereto or, as another example, they may be manufacturedseparately and otherwise coupled to reamer 100, in whole or in part.

With reference to FIG. 2, a plurality of backup cutting elements 214 maybe coupled to each fixed blade 106, but need not be. For example, one ormore backup cutting elements 214 may be coupled between the leading andtrailing edges of each blade 106, such as, but not necessarily, in a rowthat may be generally parallel with or otherwise formed relative toleading edge 204 of blade 106. Backup cutting elements 214 may besimilar in configuration to fixed blade cutting elements 116, but neednot be, and may be any size. For example, backup cutting elements 214may preferably be smaller in diameter and/or more recessed in one ormore fixed blades 106, such as to provide a reduced exposure to theformation as compared to the primary fixed blade cutting elements 116 onthe leading edge 204. In at least one embodiment of reamer 100, backupcutting elements 214 may comprise BRUTE™ cutting elements, as offered bythe assignee of the present invention through its Hughes Christensenoperating unit, such cutters and their use being disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,408,958, which is herein incorporated by reference for allpurposes. As another exemplary alternative, rather than being activecutting elements similar to fixed blade cutting elements 116, backupcutting elements 214 may be passive elements, such as round or ovoidtungsten carbide or superabrasive elements, which may, but need not,lack edges (although still referred to as backup cutters or cuttingelements). Such passive elements may serve, for example, to protect thelower surface of each blade 106 from wear. In at least one embodiment,which is but one of many, backup cutting elements 214 may preferably beradially spaced along each blade 106 to concentrate their effects in theapex, shoulder, and gage sections (as described further below). Backupcutting elements 214 may, but need not, be arranged on blades 106 tomatch the fixed blade cutting elements 116, for example, so that backupcutting elements 214 cut in the same path made by the primary cuttingelements 116, in whole or in part. Alternatively, backup cuttingelements 214 may be arranged to be radially offset from the fixed bladecutting elements 116 on one or more blades 106, so that they cut betweenthe paths made by cutting elements 116. Backup cutting elements 214 mayadd cutting elements to the cutting profile and increase cutter“coverage” in terms of redundancy at each radial position (relative tothe axial center of the wellbore or axis A of reamer 100) or path on thebottom of the borehole. Whether active or passive, backup cuttingelements 214 may help reduce wear of and damage to cutting elements 116,and may help reduce the potential for damage to or wear of fixed blades106. Backup cutting elements 214 may, but need not, create additionalpoints of engagement between reamer 100 and the formation being reamed,which may enhance reamer stability, for example.

Reamer 100 may include a plurality of wear-resistant gage elements, suchas cutting elements 202, coupled to the gage surface. For example, oneor more gage elements 202 may be coupled to the outermost periphery ofeach blade 106 or mount 108. Each element 202 may be, for example, aflat-topped or round-topped tungsten-carbide or other hard-metal insertcoupled to apertures, for example, by interference fit. Alternatively,or additionally, the inserts 202 may be integrally formed on the gage orone or more wear pads 203 may be coupled to the gage surface of reamer100. Each element 202 or wear pad may, but need not, be hardfaced. Theprimary function of elements 202 may be passive, such as to resist wearof blades 106 or mounts 108. Alternatively, it may be desirable to placeactive cutting elements on the gage of one or more blades 106, such assuper-hard (e.g., polycrystalline diamond) flat-topped elements or otherelements having, for example, beveled edges for shearing or cutting thesidewall of the borehole being reamed. Wear-resistant elements or padsmay be coupled to the gage of one or more blades 106, supports 108 orelsewhere on reamer 100, separately or in combination.

Each component of reamer 100 may be formed from any material required bya particular application, such as a metal, alloy, composite or anothermaterial, separately or in combination. For example, stem 102 maypreferably be formed from high strength steel, such as 4145H or anothersteel, and body 103 may preferably be formed from 1018 steel, forexample. The materials used to form these components, and others, maydepend on any number of factors required by a particular application,such as strength, availability, costs, or other factors, as will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Each component of reamer100, such as those described above, may be coupled to stem 102permanently, removably, or otherwise. For example, fixed blades 106 androlling cutter mounts 108 may be permanently welded to stem 102, or theymay be removable, such as using pins, screws, bolts, or the like. Thecomponents may be replaceable, interchangeable, or reusable and may becoupled to stem 102 in any order, such as, for example, in analternating fashion. Reamer 100 may include other components useful forreaming a wellbore, wherein reaming may occur in any direction,including uphole, downhole or laterally.

FIG. 4 illustrates one of many embodiments of a hybrid reamer 100 havinga contoured fixed blade 106 and an associated rolling cutter 110 andutilizing certain aspects of the present invention. The bottom surface402 of a particular blade 106 may, but need not, be in, or substantiallyin, the same plane as the bottom surface 404 of an associated rollingcutter 110, which may, but need not, be an adjacent rolling cutter 110.In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sides of blade 106, such astrailing side 406, may, but need not, be contoured. For example,trailing side 406, or a portion thereof, may be any shape required by aparticular application, such as concave or cupped, which may allow atleast a portion of rolling cutter 110 to be disposed in front of atleast a portion of trailing edge 408 of fixed blade 106. In such anembodiment, for example, the angular distance about the central axis ofreamer 100 between leading fixed blade 106 and trailing rolling cutter110 may, but need not, be less than the angular distance between therolling cutter 110 and the cutter that follows (not shown) rollingcutter 110 during reaming. This may allow, for example, a greater volumeof space to exist on the trailing side of rolling cutter 110, which maybe desirable in one or more particular applications, such as to providea junk slot for allowing formation material or fluid to escape duringreaming. The leading side or face of blade 106 may have the same or adifferent shape than the trailing side, in whole or in part.

FIG. 5 illustrates one of many cutting profiles of a rolling cutter 110and an associated fixed blade 106 utilizing certain aspects of thepresent invention. FIG. 6 illustrates one of many cutting profiles of aplurality of rolling cutters 110 and fixed blades 106 utilizing certainaspects of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates one of many cuttingprofiles of hybrid reamer 100 having backup cutting elements 760 andutilizing certain aspects of the present invention. FIGS. 5-7 will bedescribed in conjunction with one another. The shape of a particularrolling cutter 110 or fixed blade 106, in conjunction with otherfeatures, such as the arrangement of cutting elements thereon, definesthe shape or profile that particular reaming component makes in theformation. A cutting profile is a schematic representation of the shapea particular cutter, or plurality of cutters, makes in a formationduring reaming. FIG. 5 illustrates a cutting profile formed by combiningthe cutting profiles of a single fixed blade 106 and its associatedrolling cutter 110 in a single radial plane through the centrallongitudinal axis of reamer 100. FIG. 6 illustrates a cutting profileformed by combining the cutting profiles of each of a plurality of fixedblades 106 and rolling cutters 110 on one of many embodiments of reamer100 in a single radial plane through the central longitudinal axis ofreamer 100, thereby illustrating one of many overall reamer cuttingprofiles in accordance with the present invention. A combined reamercutting profile may be at least partially defined by the relationshipbetween fixed blade cutting elements 116 and the teeth 120 of anassociated roiling cutter 110. In a particular cutting profile, theprofile of teeth 120 of a rolling cutter 110 may, but need not, match,in whole or in part, the profile of cutting elements 116 on anassociated blade 106. In at least one embodiment, for example as shownin FIG. 5, the cutting profile of one rolling cutter 110 may overlap ormatch at least a portion of the cutting profile of an associated blade106, which may be any blade 106. The cutting profiles of an associatedpair of cutters need not match, however, and one or more cutters mayhave an entirely unique cutting profile. Each cutting element 116, 120may be centered or offset within their respective paths and may have anydepth of cut required by a particular application. The axially lowest(i.e., furthest downhole) points on the cutting profile of a particularfixed blade 106 or rolling cutter 110 may be planar with or lower thanthe lowest points on the profile of an associated cutter on a particularreamer 100, as required by a particular application, and as furtherdescribed below. In at least one embodiment, which is but one of many,the lowest points on the profile of a particular blade 106 mayadvantageously be higher than the apex of a particular rolling cutter110, such as an associated rolling cutter 110. Similarly, any ofelements 116, 120 may be axially spaced apart, such as, for example, byas much as 0.125 inch or more, when in their distal most (i.e. lowest)positions. In at least one embodiment, for example, rolling cutter teeth120 may extend beyond (e.g., by approximately 0.060-0.125 inch) thedistal most position of the fixed blades 106 and fixed blade cuttingelements 116, in whole or in part. The cutting structure of reamer 100as a whole, including one or more cutting profiles, may be varied byadjusting the position of each rolling cutter 110 and blade 106, orportions thereof, relative to the reamer longitudinal axis, or to oneanother, and may be varied according to any factor required by aparticular application, such as, for example, costs, materials, wellboreor formation characteristics, depth of cut (DOC) or weight on bit (WOB)considerations, efficiency, or other factors, such as aggressiveness.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rolling cutter teeth 120 and the fixedblade cutting elements 116 in combination may define a cutting profilethat extends from the radially innermost reaming portion 502 of reamer100, which may, but need not, be an outer surface of stem 102 (see,e.g., FIG. 1), through a cone section 602 and a shoulder section 606, toa radially outermost, or gage, portion 504. Cone section 602 may includecutting elements that extend radially inwardly to stem 102 of reamer100, but need not, and may alternatively include an innermost cuttingelement that is radially spaced apart from an outer surface of stem 102,such as being in line with a pilot hole. The axially lowermost edgealong the cutting profile may be referred to as a contour, or profile,line. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the cutting elements 116, 120 ofan associated pair of cutters 106, 110 in combination cut threecongruent, or substantially congruent, paths in the formation. One ormore other cutters 106, 110 or pairs of cutters may cut additional pathsin the formation, such as between the paths cut by the pair of cuttersshown in FIG. 5, which may thereby define the reamer cutting profile fora particular embodiment of reamer 100, for example, as shown in FIG. 6.One or more cutting elements may be disposed in the apex of the cuttingplane of reamer 100, represented in FIG. 5 by plane X. The apex of aparticular cutting profile of reamer 100 may include one or more fixedblade cutting elements 116, one or more teeth 120, or both. The profilesof a particular fixed blade 106 and the associated rolling cutter 110may, but need not, be aligned at the gage 504, for example, so that bothcutters cut on gage during reaming. Alternatively, for example, eitherthe fixed blade profile or the rolling cutter profile may alone extendto the gage of reamer 100. Cone section 602 may form an angle α with thehorizontal, which may be any angle, such as an angle between about 0 and45 degrees, and which may preferably be between about 10 and 30 degrees.Shoulder section 606 may have a single radius or a compound radius, andthe combined cutting profile of reamer 100 may, but need not, be tangentto gage portion 504 of reamer 100. The combined cutting profile may belinear or curved, and may, but need not, include multiple compoundradii. The apex of a reamer cutting profile may be particularly highlyloaded when reaming through transitions, for example, from soft to hardrock, such as when the entire reamer load can be concentrated on thisrelatively small portion of the borehole. The shoulder section 606, onthe other hand, may have to absorb high lateral forces, which can becaused by dynamic dysfunctioning such as bit whirl or stick-slip. Withreference to FIG. 7, one or more fixed blades 106 may include one ormore backup cutting elements 702 coupled behind cutting elements 116.Each backup cutting element 702 may, but need not, cut in the same pathas a leading fixed blade cutting element 116, or an associated rollingcutter tooth 120, in whole or in part. Within a particular path, eachbackup cutting element 702 may be located either on or off the center ofa cutting element 116 located in front of the backup cutting element 702associated therewith. Each backup cutting element 702 may have the sameor less exposure of cut as one or more cutting elements 116, 120 and mayhave the same or a smaller diameter than a cutting element 116. As willbe understood by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefits ofthis disclosure, the orientations of cutting elements 116, 120, 702 andtheir cutting profiles may be infinite and may arranged in any mannerrequired by a particular application.

Turning now to another aspect of the present invention, theaggressiveness of reamer 100 will now be described. The aggressivenessmay, but need not, be defined as a function of penetration rate of thereamer during reaming to weight on bit during reaming, and may beadjusted in at least one way, as further described below. Adjusting theangular spacing between each rolling cutter 110 and fixed blade 106 maybe one way in which to adjust the cutting aggressiveness, oraggressiveness, of reamer 100. The closer a rolling cutter 110 is to afixed blade 106 in the angular dimension about the central axis ofreamer 100, the more so the rolling cutter 110 may act as the primarycutter of the pair, with the fixed blade 106 cutting the lesser of thepair. That is, spacing a rolling cutter 110 closer to a fixed blade 106of a pair of cutters on reamer 100 may cause rolling cutter 110 to havethe more dominate (or “driving”) cutting action of the pair of cutters,thereby causing reamer 100 to cut relatively less aggressively. On theother hand, for example, spacing a rolling cutter 110 further away froma fixed blade 106 of a pair of cutters on reamer 100 may, but need not,allow or cause the cutting elements of the fixed blade 106 to dominatethe cutting action of the pair of cutters, which may increase theoverall cutting aggressiveness or aggressiveness of reamer 100. Anotherway of altering the cutting aggressiveness of reamer 100 may includeadjusting the axial position of each reaming component, including eachrolling cutter, fixed blade, and/or their respective cutting elements.An axially “leading” structure is one which contacts the cutting surfacebefore an associated axially “trailing” cutting structure. Any type ornumber of cutting elements on reamer 100 may axially lead or trail anyother type or number of cutting elements thereon, in whole or in part,as required by a particular application. For example, a rolling cutter110 may lead a trailing fixed blade 106 of an associated pair of cutters(the pair including one of each type of cutter) or, as another example,a fixed blade 106 may lead a trailing rolling cutter 110 of anassociated pair of cutters. Generally, the more a fixed blade 106 leadsa rolling cutter 110 of a pair of cutters of hybrid reamer 100, the moreaggressively reamer 100 may cut, which may include cutting more like afixed blade bit or reamer, such as a polycrystalline diamond (PDC) bitor reamer. On the other hand, when a rolling cutter 110 leads a fixedblade 106 of a pair of cutters of hybrid reamer 100, the aggressivenessmay decrease, which may include the hybrid reamer 100 havingaggressiveness more akin to that of a pure rolling cutter (e.g., rollercone) bit or reamer. Therefore, the axial positions of one or morecutting structures of a particular embodiment of reamer 100 may beadjusted relative to the cutting surface, or to one another, to meet theaggressiveness requirements of a particular application, as will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefits ofthis disclosure.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate one of many different embodiments ofreamer 100 having a rolling cutter 110 cutting the gage and utilizingcertain aspects of the present invention. FIGS. 8D, 8E and 8F illustrateone of many different embodiments of reamer 100 having a fixed blade106′ cutting the gage and utilizing certain aspects of the presentinvention. FIGS. 8G and 8H illustrate one of many different embodimentsof reamer 100 having a fixed blade 106 and a rolling cutter 110 cuttingthe gage and utilizing certain aspects of the present invention. FIGS.8A-8G will be described in conjunction with one another, wherein paths802 are indicated by phantom lines in FIGS. 8A and 8D. Within aparticular path 802 cut into a new portion of formation, a first portionmay be removed by one or more leading cutting elements and a remainingportion within that path 802 may be removed by one or more trailingcutting elements. The leading and trailing cutting elements may berolling cutter teeth or fixed blade cutting elements, which may, butneed not, be coupled to an adjacent pair of cutters, as required by aparticular application. The leading cutting elements may, but need not,be the driving cutting elements, or those elements that dominate thecutting characteristics of reamer 100 as a whole. In at least oneembodiment, for example, at least one trailing cutting element 116 onfixed blade 106 may cut in the same path 802 (see FIG. 8A), in whole orin part, as one or more of the leading teeth 120 on rolling cutter 110.Similarly, at least a portion of one of the trailing teeth 120′ onrolling cutter 110′ may cut in the same path 802 (see FIG. 8D) as one ormore leading cutting elements 116′ on fixed blade 106′. Generally, whena reamer 100 is rolling cutter driven, such as where a rolling cutterleads a trailing fixed blade cutter, cutting aggressiveness oraggressiveness of hybrid reamer 100 may be decreased. Conversely, when afixed blade cutter drives the reamer 100, such as where a fixed bladeleads a trailing rolling cutter, the cutting aggressiveness, oraggressiveness, of hybrid reamer 100 may be increased. Alternatively,with reference to FIGS. 8G and 8H, the separate cutting profiles of eachcutter of an associated pair of cutters, such as one fixed blade 106 andone rolling cutter 110, may match, in whole or in part. For example, oneor more fixed blade cutting elements 116 on a particular fixed blade 106match the tooth 120 or row of teeth 120 on the particular rolling cutter110 that is associated with the fixed blade 106 if the cuttingelement(s) 116 and tooth (teeth) 120 cut in the same path duringreaming. Matching cutting elements may, but need not, be present andmay, but need not, be disposed on adjacent cutters.

As mentioned previously herein, any type of cutter (rolling or fixedblade) may cut the gage of the borehole (i.e., may define the gagediameter of reamer 100). With further reference to FIGS. 8A-8G, aplurality of exemplary embodiments of reamer 100 having different gagecutting structures are described. In at least one embodiment of reamer100, such as the one shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, only the rolling cutters 110may cut the gage of the borehole, and the fixed blades 106 may be offgage. In at least one other embodiment of reamer 100, such as the oneshown in FIGS. 8D-8F, only the fixed blades 106′ may cut the gage of theborehole, and the rolling cutters 110′ may be off gage. In at least oneother embodiment of reamer 100, such as the one shown in FIGS. 8G-8H,the rolling cutters 110 and fixed blades 106 may cut the gagesimultaneously. The off-gage distance, for example, distance d in FIG.8D, may be any distance required by a particular application and may bedefined by the position, size or shape of any particular cutter(s) orcutting element(s). The gage section of the cutting profile of aparticular embodiment of reamer 100 may, but need not, be formedindependently from the remaining sections of the profile, as will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill having the benefits of the presentdisclosure.

In at least one embodiment, such as where there are an equal number offixed blades 106 and rolling cutters 110, each fixed blade 106 may beassociated with a rolling cutter 110, for example, which may includecutting elements on the paired cutters cutting in the same paths 802, ormatching, when reaming a formation. Any two cutters may be associated asrequired by a particular application, notwithstanding their position onthe reamer tool. Generally speaking, for example, all rolling cuttersmay lead all fixed blade cutters, making a relatively less aggressivebit or, as another example, all fixed blade cutters may lead all rollingcutters, making a relatively more aggressive bit. At least oneembodiment of reamer 100 may have three rolling cutters and three fixedblades, wherein one or more of the cutting elements of a particularrolling cutter may cut in the same path as one or more of the cuttingelements on an associated fixed blade, wherein the associated rollingcutter and fixed blade oppose one another about the central axis ofreamer 100. As other examples, at least one embodiment may include oneor more sets of cutting elements that match, in whole or in part, andone or more sets of cutting elements that do not match. A particularembodiment of reamer 100 may include any or all of the above, in anycombination, as required by a particular application. For example, insofter formations (such as soft and medium hard), it is believed thatthe more aggressive “fixed blade leading” hybrid reamer configurationsmay result in the best penetration rate. In any event, according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the aggressiveness of aparticular embodiment of reamer 100 may be tailored or varied to theparticular reaming and formation conditions encountered using theteachings herein.

With further reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, still another way to adjust orvary the aggressiveness of hybrid reamer 100 may be to couple thecutting elements 120 on the rolling cutters 110 so that they projectdeeper into the formation being reamed than the cutting elements 116 onfixed blades 106. One way to do this may be to adjust the projection ofsome or all of the cutting elements 120 on the rolling cutters 110 fromthe surface of each rolling cutter 110 so that they project in the axialdirection (parallel to the central axis of reamer 100) further than someor all of the cutting elements 116 on fixed blades 106. In theory, theextra axial projection of the teeth 120 on the roller cutters 110 maycause each tooth to bear more load than an associated cutting element116 on a fixed blade cutter 106, which may protect the fixed blade 106.In practice, it may be a combination of factors, such as the projectionof each tooth 120 from the surface of the rolling cutter 110 or theangular spacing (pitch) between adjacent teeth, that governs whether theteeth 120 of a rolling cutter 110 actually bear more of the cutting loadthan an associated cutting element 116 on a fixed blade cutter 106. Thisconcept may include what is referred to herein as “effectiveprojection,” which is described below with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIG. 9A illustrates one of many embodiments of a reamer having a rollingcutter having a limited effective projection and utilizing certainaspects of the present invention. FIG. 9B illustrates one of manyembodiments of a reamer having a rolling cutter having a full effectiveprojection and utilizing certain aspects of the present invention. FIGS.9A and 9B will be described in conjunction with one another. As shown inFIG. 9A, the effective projection A of a given cutting element of arolling cutter, or that projection of the cutting element available topenetrate into earthen formation, may be limited by the projection ofeach adjacent cutting element and the angular distance or pitch Cbetween each cutting element. FIG. 9B illustrates “full” effectiveprojection B in that the pitch may be selected so that the adjacentcutting elements on either side of a given cutting element permitpenetration of the given cutting element to a depth equal to its fullprojection from the surface of the rolling cutter. Typically, thegreater the effective projection, the greater the aggressiveness of therolling cutter may be.

From one or more of the exemplary embodiments described above, a methodfor designing a hybrid earth reaming bit of the present invention maypermit or allow the cutting aggressiveness of the hybrid reamer to bevaried. For example, the aggressiveness may be adjusted or selectedbased on the relationship between an associated pair of cutters, whichmay be any pair of cutters, such as a fixed blade cutter and a rollingcutter, or a plurality of fixed blade cutters and rolling cutters, andwhich may be in any direction. The relationship may include, forexample, either axially, angularly, or otherwise, a fixed blade cutterleading a rolling cutter in a pair of cutters, a rolling cutter leadinga fixed blade cutter in a pair of cutters or, as another example, arolling cutter being located opposite a fixed blade cutter in a pair ofcutters on the reamer. The relationship may, but need not, also includethe angular relationship of a fixed blade cutter and a rolling cutter ofa pair of cutters, which may give respect to, for example, the angularleading or trailing distance between two associated cutters. The cuttingaggressiveness of a hybrid reamer of the present invention may beachieved by defining a cutting aggressiveness of a hybrid reamer inaccordance with a particular application and the various combinations ofpairs of fixed blade cutters and rolling cutters, when compared to eachother and to different types of reamers or drill bits, such as thosehaving all rolling cutters or all fixed blades. A comparison mayinclude, for example, considerations such as the ratio of torque to WOBor the ratio of penetration rate to WOB, as required by a particularapplication and as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill. Thedesign of the cutting aggressiveness for a hybrid reamer of the presentinvention my involve any number of factors or steps, such as, forexample, adjusting the angular distance between two associated cutters,adjusting the effective projection of one or more cutting elements on acutter, fixed, rolling or otherwise, disposing one or more cuttingelements in a particular path or, as another example, arranging a pairof cutters or reaming elements in one or more of a leading, trailing oropposing configuration. One or more embodiments of the present inventionmay be tailored to a particular application, as will be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art, for example, where a designer desiresto increase or decrease the aggressiveness of the reamer based on anynumber of factors, such as torque, slip-stick, formation type, or otherfactors required by a particular application.

FIG. 10 illustrates one of many embodiments of reamer 100 having a pilotbit 1000 and utilizing certain aspects of the present invention. Asdescribed above, reamer 100 may have a coupler 114 (FIG. 1) coupled toor formed on the downhole end of stem 102 for coupling reamer 100 toanother piece of downhole equipment. For example, a plurality of reamers100 may be coupled along a drill string, wherein each reamer 100 mayhave the same or different gage diameters, such as, for example,diameters that progressively increase in the uphole direction. Asanother example, the embodiment of FIG. 10, which is but one of many,shows a pilot bit 1000 integrally formed on the downhole end of reamer100. While pilot bit 1000 is shown to be a tri-cone bit integrallyformed on reamer 100, one of ordinary skill will understand that pilotbit 1000 may be any type of bit in accordance with a particularapplication, for example, a drag bit or hybrid bit, and, alternatively,may be formed separately from reamer 100 and coupled thereto using acoupler 114 (FIG. 1), in whole or in part. Pilot bit 1000 may be coupledto reamer 100 in any manner required by a particular application, suchas threadingly, integrally, removably or otherwise, as will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Pilot bit 1000 may beany size relative to a reaming dimension of reamer 100 and maypreferably cut a pilot hole diameter that is less than the gage reamingdiameter of reamer 100. The inner most reaming diameter of reamer 100may, but need not, be less than or equal to the gage diameter of pilotbit 1000.

With further reference to FIG. 10, an embodiment of reamer 100 having apilot bit 1000, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, may beadvantageous in one or more reaming applications. For example, in someapplications requiring pilot bits, such as PDC bits, slip-stick mayoccur, such as when pilot bit 1000 is allowed to dig too deeply into theformation. One or more reamers 100, which may, but need not, be lessaggressive than the pilot bit 1000 (as described above), may be coupleduphole from pilot bit 1000. A reamer 100 may at least partiallycounteract the aggressiveness of the pilot bit 1000, which mayaccomplish, for example, smoother overall drilling. For example, arelatively more aggressive pilot bit 1000 may tend to want to drillfaster than an associated reamer 100, which may result in the transferof drilling weight to one or more reamers 100 from pilot bit 1000. Theone or more reamers 100, for example, may drill better under increasedweight and/or may not exhibit slip-stick during operations, which mayresult in smoother operations. Other applications may not include theuse of a pilot bit 1000. For example, the wellbore, or pilot hole, maybe an existing drilled hole, such as a wellbore, mine, or other hole,wherein a pilot bit may not be necessary. For example, in a mine raisingapplication, a pilot hole may already be present from one level toanother in a mine. One or more reamers 100 may be coupled to the drillstring at a lower level, for example, and drilling may occur in anuphole direction. The present invention may be advantageous in reducingor eliminating the need for drilling fluid to evacuate cuttings,reducing bottom hole pressure problems or, as another example, allowinggravity to keep the drilling surface clean.

The embodiments of reamer 100 shown and described herein are shown forexemplary purposes and one of ordinary skill will understand that aparticular reamer 100 may be of any form required by a particularapplication, including one or more of those described herein, separatelyor in combination. Each reamer 100 utilized in a particular applicationmay be coupled to, or proximate to, a pilot bit (FIG. 10), the BHA, orelsewhere in the drill string. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10,for example, reamer 100 may include four fixed blades 106 and fourrolling cutters 110 disposed radially around the central axis of reamer100, for example, in an alternating fashion. Alternatively, reamer 100may include any number of fixed blades 106 and rolling cutters 110, inany combination, as required by a particular application. As otherexamples, fixed blades 106 may include stabilizers or gage pads, whichmay or may not include cutting elements coupled thereto. Also, whilesome of the embodiments described herein, such as those shown in FIGS.8A, 8B and 10, illustrate fixed blades 106 having cutting elements 116that stop short (in the radially inward direction) of cuttingtangentially to the outer surface of stem 102, other embodiments mayinclude cutting elements 116 disposed substantially tangent to the outersurface of stem 102. As other examples, one or more embodiments mayinclude cutting elements 116, 120 disposed on reamer 100 relative to thediameter of the pilot hole or the pilot bit that the reamer 100 mayfollow, on the outermost gage surfaces or disposed in any positiontherebetween, singularly or in combination, as required by a particularapplication.

Reamer 100 may include any number of fixed blades 106 and rollingcutters 110 arranged in any order required by a particular application.For example, reamer 100 may include two, four, or six of each type ofcutter (fixed blade and rolling), which may, but need not, be coupled tobody 103 in an alternating fashion. Each rolling cutter 110 and fixedblade 106 may be coupled to reamer 100 symmetrically or asymmetricallyabout the reamer axis of rotation. Where the cutters 106, 110 arecoupled symmetrically, or are symmetric, the angular distances betweeneach pair of adjacent cutters (e.g., between the centerlines of thecutters) are equal or substantially equal. For example, in a symmetricalembodiment of reamer 100 having four fixed blades 106 and four rollingcutters 110, which is but one of many, the angle formed about the reameraxis of rotation between each pair of adjacent cutters is 45 degrees orsubstantially 45 degrees. As another example, in a symmetricalembodiment of reamer 100 having three fixed blades 106 and three rollingcutters 110, which is but one of many, the angle formed about the reameraxis of rotation between each pair of adjacent cutters is 60 degrees orsubstantially 60 degrees. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment ofreamer 100, such as the embodiment described below with respect to FIG.11, one or more cutters 106, 110 may be coupled asymmetrically to reamer100. Where a cutter is coupled asymmetrically to reamer 100, the angulardistance between the asymmetric cutter and an adjacent cutter may bemore or less than the angular distance would be in a symmetricalarrangement and the asymmetrical orientation may be enough to at leastpartially reduce harmful dynamics that may occur during reamingoperations. For example, an asymmetric cutter may be coupled to reamer100 so that its angular position about the reamer axis of rotation isdifferent from its symmetrical position, which may include reference tocutters of the same type, a different type, or both.

FIG. 11 illustrates one of many embodiments of reamer 100 having anasymmetrical cutter and utilizing certain aspects of the presentinvention. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 11, but one of many,teeth 120 are shown to be inserts, but may be integral teeth aspreviously described herein, or any combination thereof. For convenienceof explanation, the collective rolling cutters 110 are referred toherein separately as rolling cutters 110 a-110 d, while the collectivefixed blades 106 are referred to separately as 106 a-106 d. Each rollingcutter 110 may include one or more rows of teeth 120 circumferentiallydisposed on its surface, which may be any number of rows required by aparticular application. Rolling cutters 110 a and 110 c, and 110 b and110 d, are substantially oppositely disposed from one another, as arefixed blades 106 a and 106 c, and 106 b and 106 d, respectively. Forpurposes of FIG. 11, the phrase “oppositely disposed” refers to cuttersof the same type (i.e. rolling or fixed) that are separated by at leastone cutter of the same type, whether or not separated by a cutter of adifferent type. For the purposes of reference and convenience, FIG. 11includes a coordinate axis superimposed over reamer 100. The coordinateaxis comprises an ordinate line O intersecting the reamer axis Ax and anabscissa line ABS intersecting the ordinate line O at the reamer axisAx. In at least one embodiment of reamer 100, each cutter may be coupledsymmetrically about axis Ax, as described above. In at least one otherembodiment of reamer 100, such as the embodiment of FIG. 11, which isbut one of many, at least one cutter may be coupled asymmetrically aboutaxis Ax. As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the axes of rolling cutters110 b-d are substantially aligned with either the ordinate line O or theabscissa ABS. However, rolling cutter 110 a is coupled such that itsaxis, shown aligned with line L, is not aligned with either the abscissaABS or ordinate line O. Thus, rolling cutter 110 a is one example of acutter asymmetrically coupled to body 103 about axis Ax. FIG. 11 is oneof many examples of an asymmetric embodiment of reamer 100, which mayreduce harmful dynamics that may occur during reaming operations.Although a single rolling cutter 110 is shown in FIG. 11 in anasymmetric orientation, any number of additional rolling cutters 110 orfixed blades 106 may, but need not, be asymmetrically disposed at anyangle required by a particular application.

FIG. 12 illustrates one of many embodiments of reamer 100 in contactwith a cutting surface 58 and utilizing certain aspects of the presentinvention. Fixed blades 106 a-106 c have been omitted from FIG. 12 onlyfor purposes of clarity and explanation. As illustrated in theembodiment of FIG. 12, which is but one of many, the cutting surface 58includes a series of concentrically arranged imaginary circlesrepresenting paths that may be formed by the rows of cutting elements116, 120 in the cutting surface 58 during reaming. The paths shown inthe particular embodiment of FIG. 12 are for illustrative purposes onlyand it should be understood that the paths may vary from application toapplication. In one example of the many uses of the embodiments andmethods herein described, a sequence of rows may be correlated withcorresponding or associated paths. For purposes of reference, the pathsof FIG. 12 are referred to as the outermost gage diameter 70, the firstoutermost path 60, the second outermost path 61, the third outermostpath 62, the fourth outermost path 63, the fifth outermost path 64, thesixth outermost path 65, the seventh outermost path 66, the eighthoutermost outmost path 67, the ninth outermost outmost path 68 and thetenth outermost path 69. As shown in FIG. 11, each rolling cutter 110a-110 d is identified by a reference numeral. In the example illustratedin FIG. 12, path 60 is formed by the heel rows 44, 47, 51, 54 of rollingcutters 110 a, 110 b, 110 c and 110 d, respectively. Path 61 is formedby the first inner row 55 of rolling cutter 110 d. Path 62 is formed bythe first inner row 48 on rolling cutter 110 b. Path 63 is formed by thefirst inner row 52 on one 110 c. Path 64 is formed by the first innerrow 45 on rolling cutter 110 a. Path 65 is formed by the second innerrow 49 on rolling cutter 110 b. Path 66 is formed by the second innerrow 56 on rolling cutter 110 d. Path 67 is formed by the second innerrow 53 on rolling cutter 110 c. Path 68 is formed by the second innerrow 46 on rolling cutter 110 a. Path 69 is formed by the third inner row50 on rolling cutter 110 b. As can be seen from this example, which isbut one of many, adjacent paths are associated with rows from oppositelydisposed rolling cutters 110. However, one of ordinary skill willunderstand that this need not always be the case and that any number ofcombinations of rows, teeth, rolling cutters and paths is possible, asrequired by a particular application and contemplated by the presentdisclosure. One of ordinary skill will understand that any number ofcutting elements 116 may be coupled to fixed blades 106 a-106 c (notshown) and 106 d, one or more of which may be disposed in any one of thepaths, as required by a particular application. Alternatively, cuttingelements 116 may define the paths described with respect to FIG. 11 andeach row of teeth 120 may follow therein (e.g., a fixed blade leadingconfiguration).

With further reference to FIG. 12, other aspects of the presentinvention will be discussed. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the outermostportions of heel rows 44, 47, 51, 54 of rolling cutters 110 a, 110 b,110 c and 110 d, respectively, define the outermost gage diameter 70. Inthis particular example, the outermost fixed blade cutting elements 116and gage surfaces of fixed blades 106 do not reach the gage diameter 70and therefore may not cut the gage surface. This configuration of reamer100, which is but one of many, may protect the fixed blades 106 fromwear or breakage, for example, in applications where the rolling cutters110 are more suitable for cutting the gage surface of the wellbore.Another embodiment having this configuration is shown in FIG. 8H,wherein the rolling cutters 110 cut the gage surface and are otherwiseformed to match the rounded or curved cutting profiles of the fixedblades 106. As another example, FIG. 8C shows an embodiment of reamer100 wherein the rolling cutters 110 cut the gage surface and areotherwise formed to match the substantially linear cutting profiles ofthe fixed blades 106. One of ordinary skill will understand that thisneed not always be the case. For example, FIGS. 5-7 show embodimentswherein the gage section of the cutting profiles of the fixed blades 106and rolling cutters 110 match so that the fixed blades and rollingcutters cut the gage surface simultaneously. In one or more otherembodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4, the gage diameter of the rollingcutters 110 may be less than that of the fixed blades 106 so that onlythe fixed blades 106 cut the gage diameter of the wellbore, as requiredby a particular application.

Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of theinvention described above can be devised without departing from thespirit of my invention. For example, the rolling cutters or fixed bladesmay be coupled to a reamer body that is coupled to the stem so that itmay be removed after use and/or replaced such that the stem may bereused downhole or elsewhere. In addition, while the reamer tools weredescribed herein as having fixed diameters, the components associatedtherewith may be moveable or expandable, such as through the use ofdrilling fluid or mechanical devices. Further, the various methods andembodiments of the pilot reamer can be included in combination with eachother to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments.Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements andvice-versa.

The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwisespecifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combinedwith other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split intomultiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally andcan be embodied as separate components or can be combined intocomponents having multiple functions. The invention has been describedin the context of preferred and other embodiments and not everyembodiment of the invention has been described. Obvious modificationsand alterations to the described embodiments are available to those ofordinary skill in the art. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments arenot intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of myinvention, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, we intend tofully protect all such modifications and improvements that come withinthe scope or range of equivalent of the following claims.

1. A hole opener having a hybrid reaming section for downhole earthboring operations comprising: a reamer body having a centrallongitudinal axis of rotation, an outer periphery, and upper and lowerends; a plurality of rolling cutter mounts coupled to the outerperiphery about the longitudinal axis and depending downwardly; arolling cutter rotatably coupled to each mount, the rolling cuttersdefining a rolling cutter cutting profile having a rolling cuttercutting diameter; a plurality of fixed blade cutters coupled to theouter periphery and defining a fixed blade cutter cutting profile havinga fixed blade cutter cutting diameter, each fixed blade cutter beingcoupled between adjacent rolling cutter mounts; wherein at least one ofthe fixed blade cutters is asymmetrically coupled about the longitudinalaxis; and wherein the fixed blade cutter cutting diameter is larger thanthe rolling cutter cutting diameter.
 2. The hole opener of claim 1,wherein the body is tubular.
 3. The hole opener of claim 1, furthercomprising a coupler coupled to the body lower end.
 4. The hole openerof claim 1, wherein an angular distance between the asymmetricallycoupled fixed blade cutter and a nearest trailing rolling cutter is lessthan an angular distance between the asymmetrically coupled fixed bladecutter and a nearest leading rolling cutter with respect to thedirection of rotation.
 5. The hole opener of claim 1, wherein an angulardistance between the asymmetrically coupled fixed blade cutter and anearest leading rolling cutter is less than an angular distance betweenthe asymmetrically coupled fixed blade cutter and a nearest trailingrolling cutter with respect to the direction of rotation.
 6. The holeopener of claim 1, further comprising a stem extending through the bodyand below the body lower end.
 7. The hole opener of claim 6, wherein thefixed blade cutter cutting profile extends to the stem.
 8. The holeopener of claim 1, wherein the fixed blade cutter cutting profile andthe rolling cutter cutting profile collectively define a combinedcutting profile, at least a portion of the combined cutting profilebeing curved.
 9. The hole opener of claim 1, wherein at least a portionof the rolling cutter cutting profile matches at least a portion of thefixed blade cutter cutting profile.
 10. A hole opener having a hybridreaming section for downhole earth boring operations comprising: areamer body having a central longitudinal axis of rotation, an outerperiphery, and upper and lower ends; a plurality of rolling cuttermounts coupled to the outer periphery about the longitudinal axis anddepending downwardly; a rolling cutter rotatably coupled to each mount,the rolling cutters defining a rolling cutter cutting profile having anoutermost rolling cutter cutting diameter; a plurality of fixed bladecutters coupled to the outer periphery and defining a fixed blade cuttercutting profile having an outermost fixed blade cutter cutting diameter,each fixed blade cutter being coupled between adjacent rolling cuttermounts; and wherein at least a portion of the fixed blade cutter cuttingprofile is deeper than the rolling cutter cutting profile and whereinthe outermost fixed blade cutter cutting diameter is larger than theoutermost rolling cutter cutting diameter.
 11. The hole opener of claim10, wherein the body is tubular.
 12. The hole opener of claim 10,further comprising a coupler coupled to the body lower end.
 13. The holeopener of claim 10, further comprising a stem extending through the bodyand below the body lower end.
 14. The hole opener of claim 13, whereinthe fixed blade cutter cutting profile extends to the stem.
 15. The holeopener of claim 10, wherein the fixed blade cutter cutting profile andthe rolling cutter cutting profile collectively define a combinedcutting profile, at least a portion of the combined cutting profilebeing curved.
 16. The hole opener of claim 10, wherein at least aportion of the rolling cutter cutting profile matches at least a portionof the fixed blade cutter cutting profile.
 17. A hole opener having ahybrid reaming section for downhole earth boring operations comprising:a reamer body having a central longitudinal axis of rotation, an outerperiphery, and upper and lower ends; a plurality of rolling cuttermounts coupled to the outer periphery about the longitudinal axis anddepending downwardly; a rolling cutter rotatably coupled to each mount,the rolling cutters defining a rolling cutter cutting profile having anoutermost rolling cutter cutting diameter; a plurality of fixed bladecutters coupled to the outer periphery and defining a fixed blade cuttercutting profile having an outermost fixed blade cutter cutting diameter,each fixed blade cutter being coupled between adjacent rolling cuttermounts; wherein at least one of the fixed blade cutters is coupledasymmetrically about the longitudinal axis; and wherein at least aportion of the fixed blade cutter cutting profile is deeper than therolling cutter cutting profile and wherein the outermost fixed bladecutter cutting diameter is larger than the outermost rolling cuttercutting diameter.